Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf, perfect for adding a fragrant and cheesy touch to any meal. With aromatic herbs, garlic butter, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table.

Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy, then add olive oil, 3 cups flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding remaining flour as needed.
3. Step 3: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix softened butter with minced garlic and dried herbs to create the herb butter.
5. Step 5: Roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle, spread evenly with the herb butter, then sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped parsley.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinch the seam to seal, and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let it rise another 30-45 minutes.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30-35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Serve warm for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, brush the top of the loaf with melted garlic butter before baking.
• Substitute the dried Italian herb blend with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a fresher taste.
• Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives inside the filling for a Mediterranean twist.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze the cooled bread wrapped in foil for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use the same amount but mix it directly with the flour instead of dissolving it in water first.

What can I do if I don’t have Italian herb blend?

You can make your own by mixing dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary in equal parts, or use any other dried herbs you prefer.

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 91 reviews

This Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is a delicious homemade loaf infused with aromatic garlic and an Italian herb blend, layered with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfectly soft inside with a golden crust, this bread is ideal for serving warm as a side or snack.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Herb Butter Spread

• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1½ tablespoons dried Italian herb blend

Cheese and Garnish

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast has been properly activated.
2. Form Dough: Add olive oil, 3 cups of the flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Gradually add the remaining flour as necessary to prevent sticking.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Prepare Herb Butter: While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and dried Italian herb blend until well combined.
6. Shape and Fill Dough: Roll the risen dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the herb butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley on top.
7. Roll and Second Rise: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinch the seam to seal, and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
8. Bake Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Serve Warm: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve the bread warm to enjoy the melty cheese and herb flavors at their best.

Notes

• Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• You can substitute the Italian herb blend with fresh herbs if preferred.
• This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat slices in the oven before serving to refresh the crust and melt the cheese.
• Use room temperature butter for easier mixing with garlic and herbs.

Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, cheese bread, homemade bread, garlic bread, savory bread